The United Kingdom is the most favoured
inward investment location in Europe, attracting around 40 per cent of Japanese,
US and Asian investment into the EU. German investment into the UK remains at a
high level with over 2,000 subsidiaries of German companies operating in the UK
employing about 300,000 people. The reasons for its popularity are many as it
has a great deal to offer overseas companies. A large and attractive market, a
highly skilled, flexible, English-speaking workforce, and an environment which
allows business to prosper.

Companies based in the UK are well-placed to
do business in the global marketplace. Britain's integrated transport network
provides fast, low-cost delivery. The UK's comprehensive and toll-free motorway
and road network links all industrial centres to air and seaports, and every
location in the UK is within 100 miles of a container port. The Channel Tunnel
links the UK by road and rail to the rest of Europe, and both Paris and Brussels
are just three hours' journey from London by rail.

Labour market
regulations in the UK, including working hours, are the most flexible in Europe,
and staffing costs are highly competitive. The UK has a strong science and
technology base, with world class design, research and development disciplines.
Many UK universities and scientific institutes are taking part in collaborative
research projects with businesses.